Blackhawks hit the ground running with training camp Sunday

Blackhawks hit the ground running with training camp Sunday

The lockout is complete. Now the Chicago Blackhawks can get down to business.

The Memo of Understanding was finished late Saturday night, and the Blackhawks will begin training camp at noon Sunday at Johnnys Ice House West. It will be quick preparations for the Blackhawks -- along with every other team in the NHL -- as they begin their regular season on Jan. 19 in Los Angeles against the Stanley Cup champion Kings.

Team owner Rocky Wirtz and president John McDonough sent a letter to Blackhawks season ticket holders (the letter is also posted on the teams website):

On behalf of the Chicago Blackhawks, we would like to thank you for your patience and loyalty over the past few months. It is imperative that we now look forward in order to prepare and to focus on the exciting season ahead.

We are committed to a mission of consistent excellence, both on and off the ice. This high standard fuels our passion to reward your allegiance to our franchise.

We are looking forward to experiencing the electric atmosphere and energy that you bring to the United Center for every game.

Now, about camp: the Blackhawks will begin their abbreviated camp on Sunday. And unfortunately, due to the lockout and the resulting brief schedule, the Blackhawks will not be having their training camp festival this year. Tickets for the festival purchased through the internet and phone will be automatically refunded. Refunds for all other tickets are available at the point of purchase; or people can send tickets to the Blackhawks at 1901 W. Madison St., 60612.

The training camp festival will be back in the 2013-14 season.

SportsTalk Live Podcast: Toews still out, Bulls pull out win over Spurs

SportsTalk Live Podcast: Toews still out, Bulls pull out win over Spurs

For the third time since the event was created, the Blackhawks will participate in the Winter Classic, facing the St. Louis Blues on Jan. 2, 2017.

To build some hype for the Central Division showdown, which will feature two teams that find themselves battling for the top seed in the Western Conference, Ryan Hartman and Trevor van Riemsdyk of the Blackhawks squared off with Joel Edmundson and Robby Fabbri of the Blues in EA Sports' NHL 17.